Welcome, 2012.

Another year over. It was the year of “gentleness” for me – or at least that’s what I had in mind when I started 2011. And rightfully so: We had to navigate a couple of tough transitions and overall change in these past twelve months. But the time of gentleness is over. The word that keeps coming up for 2012 is “kompromisslos”, German for “without compromise” or “uncompromising”. For me, this would have predominantely negative connotations in any other context but this; here, it means no more compromises with regard to beauty, happiness, creativity and taste. No more settling for less. I have the strong urge to change things, to get rid of what is unwanted and unnecessary, to get as close to a clean slate as possible. Letting go is one big part of being uncompromising, funnily enough.

So let’s see, 2012, how we will get along.

Alltagshelden :: My tribe

I am very happy to announce that I can cross one item off off my list: I have seen a business idea through from beginning to end, and one that’s dear to my heart, too (weeeee!)! It’s a precious, handmade book for friends, for the people closest to our heart, a place to keep them with us at all times. Even the first touch tells you how much love was put into making it. I am a very tactile person, so I took care that it feels good to the touch, solid yet tender, so that you will be glad to take it out of the shelf again and again. I designed the book with my dear friend, graphic designer, newly-wed and soon-to-be mum Maren Chur. She took care it looks really pretty! The questions inside are original, quirky and funny; once answered, they will make this book a precious memory of those we let inside – the book and our lives!

The first edition is in German, but I have an English edition ready to go, so stay tuned!

For the German readers: You can have a look at it here.

On the Holm

Strange place, that holm.
Sitting in the middle of the sea,
exposed to nature’s moods,
perpetually threatened,
yet alive with resilience and beauty.

I was greeted with sunshine
awoke to thunder and rain
was sent off with the warning
of a flood coming.

It is easy
to read that
as a sign.

Three weddings and no funeral

Back at my desk, I reflect on two weeks of wild celebration, grim fights, old wounds healing and a continuous flow of ancient kindness which kept me on my feet.

In the last two weeks,

- I attended three weddings and one “Polterabend”.

- I navigated the abrupt and bumpy change from full-time worker to full-time mum and back to part-time of both.

- I spent *a lot* of time with my family. My old family, that is, the people I grew up with. It felt like being in a time cocoon, with all its good and bad. But this time – and I’m sorry I cannot be more specific here – the bad lost its overpowering strength, and was replaced by an all-encompassing kindness and an understanding that I only know from relationships which span a lifetime.

- I made a whirlwind trip to Italy to see two friends who I hadn’t seen in 6 years. It was only 36 hours, but every second of it was not only worthwhile, it felt like hours and I will feed on each of them for months to come. We expanded time so that we could be together.

- I danced. I celebrated. I screamed and fought and felt desperation. I was overwhelmed with joy. I cried happy tears and sad ones.

- I learned a lot. I reconnected. I felt held and home in a way I won’t forget.

- I was happy.

How about you?